Prez. Mahama Directs TOR to Expand Refining Capacity to 100,000 Barrels Daily
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, to collaborate with the Board and Management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to develop a strategic plan to expand the refinery’s processing capacity to 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The President announced the directive during the commissioning of the refurbished refinery at the Tema Industrial Enclave.
He described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening Ghana’s petroleum industry and driving industrial transformation.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the operational capacity of the state-owned refinery and disclosed plans to restructure TOR to permanently eliminate political interference in its operations.
The commissioning also marked the successful processing of 1 million barrels of locally produced Jubilee Field Medium Sweet Crude oil into finished petroleum products.
President Mahama said the rehabilitation of the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), restoration of the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit, installation of the new F-61 crude heater, and the return of Boiler No. 8 into service represent more than engineering accomplishments.
According to him, the projects demonstrate renewed confidence in Ghana’s industrial capabilities and reflect government’s determination to invest in critical infrastructure that will benefit future generations.
He stressed that government’s vision extends beyond restoring the refinery, insisting that TOR must become more competitive, efficient and commercially viable to serve as a strategic driver of Ghana’s industrial development.
President Mahama noted that the refurbishment programme marks the beginning of a broader national agenda to build an integrated petroleum industry capable of serving the domestic market, supporting regional trade and contributing significantly to Africa’s industrialisation.
He said TOR will play a pivotal role in implementing government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative and the Accelerated Export Development Programme by supporting manufacturing, industrial production, job creation and enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The President also welcomed confirmation by TOR Managing Director, Edmond Kombat, that the refinery has commenced 24-hour operations.
He disclosed that government is finalising incentive packages for companies operating round-the-clock, including tax breaks, favourable energy tariffs and duty-free importation of capital equipment for plant expansion and the installation of new facilities.
President Mahama further reiterated government’s long-term vision of transforming Ghana into West Africa’s leading petroleum refining, storage and logistics hub, capable of adding value to the country’s natural resources, creating employment, strengthening energy security and accelerating industrial growth.
He also announced plans to expand TOR’s Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) system to improve the refinery’s capacity to receive and discharge petroleum products more efficiently.
